Fluid handling device and fluid handling system including same

Abstract

To provide a fluid handling device which can be produced more easily and enables easy opening / closing of a passage and downsizing, and to provide a fluid handling system using the fluid handling device.SOLUTION: A fluid handling device has a first passage, a second passage, and a valve disposed between the first passage and the second passage. The valve includes: a groove-like valve seat disposed on the substrate; and a plate-like flexible layer which covers the groove-like valve seat. The valve allows the first passage and the second passage to communicate with each other when the flexible layer and a bottom part of the groove-like valve seat separate from each other and shields the first passage from the second passage when the flexible layer and an inner wall of the groove-like valve seat contact with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid handling device and a fluid handling system including the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, fluid handling devices have been used to analyze trace substances such as proteins and nucleic acids with high precision and speed. The fluid handling device has an advantage that the amounts of reagents and samples required for analysis may be small, and it is expected to be used in various applications such as clinical tests, food tests, and environmental tests. Usually, a plurality of flow paths are arranged in the fluid handling device, and it is required to selectively flow a desired reagent, sample, etc. through a desired flow path. Therefore, it is common to arrange an openable and closable valve between the plurality of flow paths.

[0003] Here, as a valve arranged between a plurality of flow paths, a diaphragm valve is known (for example, Patent Document 1 etc.). A conventional diaphragm valve has, for example, a partition wall (valve seat) arranged between two flow paths, and a dome-shaped diaphragm part (valve body) arranged so as to cover the partition wall and with a gap from the partition wall. In the open state of the diaphragm valve, fluid can flow between the diaphragm part and the partition wall. On the other hand, in the closed state of the diaphragm, the diaphragm part is pressed against the partition wall, and the fluid is blocked by the partition wall.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in a diaphragm valve as described in Patent Document 1, the diaphragm portion (valve body) must be formed in a dome shape. Further, since the diaphragm portion is deformed when heat is applied thereto, it is difficult to bond the member forming the diaphragm portion to another member at a high temperature. Further, since the diaphragm portion protrudes outside the fluid handling device, the device tends to be enlarged.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid handling device that can be manufactured more simply, can easily open and close a flow path, and can be miniaturized, and a fluid handling system using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention provides the following fluid handling device. A fluid handling device having a first flow path, a second flow path, and a valve disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path, the valve including a groove-shaped valve seat disposed on a substrate and a flat plate-shaped flexible layer covering the groove-shaped valve seat, wherein the valve communicates the first flow path and the second flow path when the flexible layer and the inner wall of the groove-shaped valve seat are separated from each other, and shuts off between the first flow path and the second flow path when the flexible layer and the inner wall of the groove-shaped valve seat are in contact with each other.

[0008] The present invention provides the following fluid handling system. A fluid handling system having the above fluid handling device and a sliding member for a valve capable of pressing the flexible layer of the valve.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] The fluid handling device of the present invention can be manufactured simply and can be miniaturized. Further, according to the fluid handling device, the opening and closing of the flow path by the valve is easy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a fluid handling device and a fluid handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid handling system 300 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the fluid handling system 300 in a use state. The fluid handling system 300 is a device for controlling a fluid flowing through a flow path. The type of fluid to be flowed through the fluid handling system 300 is not particularly limited, and various fluids such as reagents, liquid samples, cleaning liquids, gases, powders, etc. can be used.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid handling system 300 of the present embodiment is used in a state of being connected to a commercial power supply via an AC adapter 410. When the fluid handling system 300 has an internal power source, the fluid handling system 300 can be used even when not connected to a commercial power supply.

[0013] Also, the fluid handling system 300 may be connected via a USB cable 420 or the like to an operation setting system (not shown) that controls the operation of the fluid handling system 300. On the other hand, the fluid handling system 300 includes a storage unit 370 that stores a program with the operation procedure encoded, and a valve control unit 320 (a valve sliding member 321 and a first drive unit 324) that controls the valve 250 based on the program stored in the storage unit 370, and a pump control unit 330 (a pump sliding member 331 and a second drive unit 334) that controls the pump 260. It may have a control unit 360 that controls operations such as (see FIG. 4). In this case, the fluid handling system 300 can operate independently even when not connected to the operation setting system. On the other hand, when the fluid handling system 300 does not have the storage unit 370 and the control unit 360, the fluid handling system 300 operates according to an instruction from an operation setting system (not shown) connected via a USB cable 420 or the like.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid handling system 300 is used with a fluid handling device 200 housed therein, which includes flow paths 231 and 240, wells 230, valves 250, pumps 260, etc. The fluid handling device 200 is configured to be detachable. Note that in FIG. 4, some components are omitted. Hereinafter, the configurations of the fluid handling device 200 and the fluid handling system 300 will be described in detail.

[0015] (Configuration of Fluid Handling Device) FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the fluid handling device 200 according to the present embodiment. The fluid handling device 200 has a substrate 210 and a flexible layer 220. In the present embodiment, the fluid handling device 200 is made of a transparent material, and in FIG. 3A, the internal structure and the backside structure of the fluid handling device 200 are also shown by dashed lines. As shown in FIG. 3B, the fluid handling device 200 is stacked on a spacer 312 and housed in a chip holder 310 of the fluid handling system 300 as shown in FIGS. 3C and 4. Through holes capable of accommodating the wells 230 are formed in the spacer 312 at positions corresponding to the plurality of wells 230 of the fluid handling device 200.

[0016] In the chip holder 310 of the fluid handling system 300 described later, the fluid handling device 200 is fixed such that the flexible layer 220 is pressed by the valve control unit 320 (valve sliding member 321) and the pump control unit 330 (pump sliding member 331) of the fluid handling system 300. In FIG. 4, for clarity of the configuration of the fluid handling system 300, the fluid handling device 200 is shown separated from the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the fluid handling device 200 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, the internal structure of the fluid handling device 200 is also shown by a dashed line. FIG. 6A is a plan view of the fluid handling device 200. FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the fluid handling device 200. FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the substrate 210 (the bottom view of the substrate 210 with the flexible layer 220 removed).

[0018] As shown in FIG. 5, the fluid handling device 200 includes a plurality of wells 230, a plurality of first flow paths 231 respectively connected to the wells 230, a second flow path 240, a plurality of valves 250 respectively disposed between the first flow paths 231 and the second flow path 240, and a pump 260 connected to the second flow path 240. The fluid handling device 200 in the present embodiment further includes a ventilation flow path 232 that connects the well 230 functioning as a ventilation hole and the pump 260.

[0019] Here, as shown in FIG. 6C, the substrate 210 of the fluid handling device 200 includes a groove (hereinafter also referred to as "first groove") 231a that constitutes a part of the first flow path 231, a groove (hereinafter also referred to as "second groove") 240a that constitutes a part of the second flow path 240, a groove (hereinafter also referred to as "ventilation groove") 232a that constitutes a part of the ventilation flow path 232, a groove for the valve (hereinafter also referred to as "grooved valve seat") 250a, a groove for the pump (hereinafter also referred to as "pump groove") 260a, a through hole 230a serving as a fluid inlet or outlet (well 230), and a through hole 230a serving as a ventilation hole (well 230). The surface having the first groove 231a, the second groove 240a, etc. is the back surface of the substrate 210, that is, the surface bonded to the flexible layer 220.

[0020] The material included in the substrate 210 can be appropriately selected from, for example, known resins and glass. Examples of the material included in the substrate 210 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin resin, silicone resin, and elastomer. The size and thickness of the substrate 210 are appropriately selected according to the use of the fluid handling device 200 and the depth and width of the grooves of the substrate 210. The thickness of the substrate 210 is, for example, 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Also, the material included in the substrate 210 is not particularly limited.

[0021] On the one hand, the flexible layer 220 is a flat member. The flexible layer 220 is, for example, a film. In the present embodiment, the flexible layer 220 functions not only as a member covering the grooves and through holes of the substrate 210, but also as a valve body of the valve of the valve 250 and a part of the pump 260. Therefore, at least a part of the flexible layer 220 is made of an elastic material. FIGS. 7A and 7B show enlarged cross-sectional views perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a of the valve 250 in the present embodiment. FIG. 7A shows the open state of the valve 250, and FIG. 7B shows the closed state of the valve 250. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the flexible layer 220 is not pressed by the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 (not shown in FIG. 7A) of the fluid handling system 300 described later, it is arranged with a sufficient gap from the inner wall of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the pump groove 260a (the groove-shaped valve seat 250a in FIG. 7A). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the flexible layer 220 is pressed by the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 (not shown in FIG. 7B) of the fluid handling system 300 described later, it deforms and closely adheres to the inner wall of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the pump groove 260a (the groove-shaped valve seat 250a in FIG. 7B) without a gap. In this specification, the inner walls of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the pump groove 260a refer to the side walls and the bottom surface of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the pump groove 260a.

[0022] Such a flexible layer 220 may be composed of a single layer or a plurality of layers. When the flexible layer 220 is composed of a single layer, it is preferably composed of an elastic material (for example, an elastomer) throughout the flexible layer 220. On the other hand, in view of the slidability of the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331, the flexible layer 220 is preferably composed of a plurality of layers. Specifically, among the plurality of layers constituting the flexible layer 220, the layer 220a in contact with the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 is preferably a layer with good slidability of the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331, and the layer 220b in contact with the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the pump groove 260a is preferably an elastic layer.

[0023] The material included in the flexible layer 220 is not particularly limited and is appropriately selected from known resins. When the flexible layer 220 is composed of multiple layers, the layer 220a of the flexible layer 220 facing the valve sliding member 321 or the pump sliding member 331 includes, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, cycloolefin resin, silicone resin, etc. On the other hand, the layer 220b of the flexible layer 220 in contact with the groove-shaped valve seat 250a or the pump groove 260a includes an elastomer, etc. In the present embodiment, the flexible layer 220 is composed of two layers, the layer 220a in contact with the valve sliding member 321 etc. includes a cycloolefin resin, and the layer 220b in contact with the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the pump groove 260a includes an elastomer.

[0024] Here, the thickness of the entire flexible layer 220 is appropriately selected according to the material of the flexible layer 220 etc., and is, for example, 30 μm or more and 600 μm or less. Note that the thickness of the layer (elastic layer) 220b in contact with the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the pump groove 260a is preferably thicker than the depth of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the pump groove 260a of the substrate 210, and is, for example, 25 μm or more and 500 μm or less.

[0025] The flexible layer 220 is joined to the back surface of the substrate 210 so as to close the grooves and the openings of the through holes of the substrate 210. The joining method is not particularly limited, and heat welding, laser welding, adhesives, etc. can be applied. Also, the flexible layer 220 may or may not have visible light transmissibility. The visible light transmissibility of the flexible layer 220 is appropriately selected according to the use of the fluid handling device 200. Further, in the present embodiment, one flexible layer 220 is arranged so as to cover the entire substrate 210 (the first groove 231a, the second groove 240a, the ventilation groove 232a, the groove-shaped valve seat 250a, the pump groove 260a, etc.), but the flexible layer 220 may be divided into a plurality.

[0026] Here, in the fluid handling device 200 according to the present embodiment, the regions surrounded by the through holes 230a of the substrate 210 and the flexible layer 220 are wells 230. Each well 230 serves as an introduction part for introducing fluid into the flow path of the fluid handling device 200, a take-out part for taking out the fluid in the flow path of the fluid handling device 200, a processing part for mixing or reacting the fluid, and a vent hole when moving the fluid in the flow path of the fluid handling device 200. It is a bottomed recess having an opening on the front side. Further, when using liquid as the fluid, the well 230 can accommodate the liquid.

[0027] The shape and size of the well 230 are not particularly limited as long as the above functions can be exhibited. The shape of the internal space of the well 230 is, for example, substantially frustoconical or substantially cylindrical. In the present embodiment, the shape of the internal space of the well 230 is frustoconical. In the present embodiment, on the front side of the fluid handling device 200, the outer wall surrounding the internal space of the well 230 protrudes from the surface of the substrate 210. This protrusion functions as the outer wall of the well 230. The number of wells 230 is not particularly limited and is appropriately selected according to the use of the fluid handling device 200.

[0028] In the present embodiment, 10 wells 230 (the 5 wells 230 on the left side of the upper row and the 5 wells 230 on the left side of the lower row in FIG. 6A) among the plurality of wells 230 are connected to the valve 250 via the first flow path 231 and function as a fluid introduction part, take-out part, processing part, etc. Further, 1 well 230 (the fifth well 230 from the right in the lower row in FIG. 6A) among the plurality of wells 230 is connected to the pump 260 via the ventilation flow path 232 and functions as a vent hole. In the fluid handling device 200 according to the present embodiment, the other wells 230 are not used.

[0029] On the other hand, the region surrounded by the flexible layer 220 and the first groove 231a is the first flow path 231, the region surrounded by the flexible layer 220 and the second groove 240a is the second flow path 240, and the region surrounded by the flexible layer 220 and the ventilation groove 232a is the ventilation flow path 232.

[0030] The first flow path 231 is a flow path connecting a plurality of wells 230 and a valve 250. The cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of the first flow path 231 are not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the first flow path 231 is not particularly limited, and for example, it is a substantially rectangular shape with a side length (width and depth) of about several tens of μm. In this specification, the "cross-section of the flow path" means the cross-section of the flow path perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid flows. In the present embodiment, the width of the first flow path 231 is larger than the widths of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the second groove 240a.

[0031] The second flow path 240 is a flow path disposed between the valve 250 and the pump 260. The cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of the second flow path 240 are not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the second flow path 240 is not particularly limited, and for example, it is a substantially rectangular shape with a side length (width and depth) of about several tens of μm. The cross-sectional area of the second flow path 240 may or may not be constant in the fluid flow direction.

[0032] The number and shape of the second flow paths 240 are not particularly limited and are appropriately selected according to the use of the fluid handling device 200. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6C, the fluid handling device 200 has one second flow path 240 including a branch. That is, the second flow path 240 includes two branch flow paths 241, 242 and one common flow path 243. One end of each of the two branch flow paths 241, 242 is connected to one end of the common flow path 243. The two branch flow paths 241, 242 extend in the circumferential direction. Valves 250 are respectively disposed between the two branch flow paths 241, 242 and the plurality of first flow paths 231. The other end of the common flow path 243 is connected to the pump 260.

[0033] The ventilation flow path 232 is a flow path connecting the well 230 serving as a ventilation hole and the pump 260, and is mainly a flow path for flowing gas. The cross-sectional area and cross-sectional shape of the ventilation flow path 232 are not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the ventilation flow path 232 is not particularly limited, and for example, it is a substantially rectangular shape with a side length (width and depth) of about several tens of μm.

[0034] On one hand, the valve 250 is constituted by the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the flexible layer 220. The fluid handling device 200 of the present embodiment has a plurality of valves (membrane valves) 250. These valves 250 are respectively arranged between a plurality of wells 230 (a plurality of first flow paths 231) and the second flow path 240, and control the flow of fluid from the first flow path 231 side to the second flow path 240 side, or the flow of fluid from the second flow path 240 side to the first flow path 231 side. In the open state of the valve 250, the valve 250 serves as a flow path communicating the first flow path 231 and the second flow path 240. On the other hand, in the closed state of the valve 250, the valve 250 blocks the space between the first flow path 231 and the second flow path 240.

[0035] In the valve 250, when the first convex portion 322 of the valve sliding member 321 of the fluid handling system 300 described later does not fully push the flexible layer 220 into the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and there is a gap between the flexible layer 220 and the groove-shaped valve seat 250a, it is the open state of the valve 250 (see FIG. 7A). On the other hand, when the convex portion of the valve sliding member 321 pushes the flexible layer 220 into the groove-shaped valve seat 250a and the flexible layer 220 contacts the inner wall (side surface and bottom surface) of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a, it is the closed state of the valve 250 (see FIG. 7B). That is, in the valve 250, the groove-shaped valve seat 250a functions as a valve seat, and the flexible layer 220 functions as a valve body.

[0036] Here, the shape of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a is not particularly limited as long as the inner wall (bottom and side surfaces) of the groove-shaped valve seat 250 and the surface of the flexible layer 220 are in close contact when the flexible layer 220 is pressed toward the groove-shaped valve seat 250a by the first convex portion 322 of the valve sliding member 321. FIG. 8 shows a partially enlarged perspective view of the broken line portion in FIG. 6C. As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the width of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a is designed to be narrower than the width of the first groove 231a (first flow path 231) and the width of the second groove 240a (second flow path 240). Further, the depth of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a is shallower than the depth of the first flow path 231 (first groove 231a) and the depth of the second flow path 240 (second groove 240a), and is designed to be T*(F / A) / E or less. Here, T is the thickness of the flexible layer 220, F is the pressing force of the first convex portion 322 of the valve sliding member 321 of the fluid handling system 300 described later, A is the pressing area of the first convex portion 322 (in the present embodiment, the area of the top surface of the first convex portion 322), and E is the Young's modulus of the flexible layer 220a. The depth is, for example, about 5 to 100 μm. Further, a cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a is preferably a shape surrounded by an arc or an elliptical arc and its chord, for example, a bow shape. When the side surface and the bottom surface of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a are smoothly continuous, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the closed state of the valve 250, the flexible layer 220 (220b) and the inner wall of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a are likely to be in close contact without a gap. However, it is not limited to this shape. Also, the length of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a is not particularly limited, and it may be a length that can sufficiently block the fluid by the flexible layer 220 in contact with the inner wall of the groove-shaped valve seat 250a when the flexible layer 220 is pressed toward the groove-shaped valve seat 250a by the first convex portion 322 of the valve sliding member 321. The length is, for example, about 50 to 500 μm.

[0037] The number of valves 250 is not particularly limited and is appropriately selected according to the use of the fluid handling device 200. In the present embodiment, the fluid handling device 200 has 10 valves 250 according to the number of the first flow paths 231. Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of valves 250 are arranged on the circumference of one circle. When the fluid handling device 200 is housed in the chip holder 310, the center of this circle is located on the first central axis CA1 which is the rotation axis of the valve sliding member 321 (rotary member) (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Therefore, the plurality of valves 250 can function as rotary valves whose opening and closing are controlled by the rotation of the valve sliding member 321.

[0038] On the other hand, a pump (membrane pump) 260 is constituted by the pump groove 260a and the flexible layer 220. The pump 260 is a member for controlling the flow of the fluid in the first flow path 231 and the second flow path 240. One end of the pump 260 is connected to the second flow path 240. The other end is connected to the well 230 which functions as a ventilation hole via the ventilation flow path 232. The pump 260 is driven like a peristaltic pump by being pressed by the pump control unit 330. The planar shape of the pump 260 is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, it is substantially arc-shaped (shaped like the letter "C").

[0039] In the pump 260 of the present embodiment, when the second convex portion 332 of the sliding member 331 for the pump, which will be described later, slides on the flexible layer 220 while pressing, the contact position between the flexible layer 220 and the inner wall of the pump groove 260a moves sequentially. As a result, the fluid in the first flow path 231 and the second flow path 240 flows. For example, when the second convex portion 332 (described later) of the sliding member 331 for the pump presses while sliding on the flexible layer 220 from the connection portion between the pump 260 and the second flow path 240 toward the ventilation flow path 232 (counterclockwise in FIG. 5), the fluid in the second flow path 240 moves toward the pump 260 and the inside of the second flow path 240 becomes a negative pressure. On the other hand, the fluid in the pump 260 moves toward the ventilation flow path 232 and the inside of the ventilation flow path 232 becomes a positive pressure. Further, when the second convex portion 332 presses while sliding on the flexible layer 220 from the connection portion between the pump 260 and the ventilation flow path 232 toward the second flow path 240 side (clockwise in FIG. 5), the fluid in the ventilation flow path 232 moves toward the pump 260 and the inside of the ventilation flow path 232 becomes a negative pressure. On the other hand, the fluid in the pump 260 moves toward the second flow path 240 and the inside of the second flow path 240 becomes a positive pressure. Thus, according to the pump 260, it is possible to make the fluid in the first flow path 231 and / or the second flow path 240 flow in a desired direction.

[0040] Here, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the width of the pump groove 260a is designed to be narrower than the width of the second groove 240a (second flow path 240). Further, the depth of the pump groove 260a is designed to be shallower than the depth of the second groove 240a (second flow path 240). The depth is, for example, about 5 to 100 μm. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the pump groove 260a orthogonal to the circumference is not particularly limited as long as the inner wall (bottom and side surfaces) of the pump groove 260a and the surface of the flexible layer 220 are in close contact, and a shape surrounded by an arc or an elliptical arc and its chord, for example, a bow shape, is preferable. When the side surface and the bottom surface of the pump groove 260a are smoothly continuous, when driving the pump 260, the flexible layer 220 and the inner wall of the pump groove 260a are likely to be in close contact without a gap. However, it is not limited to this shape.

[0041] In this embodiment, the pump 260 (pump groove 260a) is arranged on the circumference of a circle. When the fluid handling device 200 is accommodated in the chip holder 310, the center of this circle is located on the second central axis CA2 which is the rotation axis of the sliding member 331 for the pump (rotary member). Therefore, the pump 260 can function as a rotary pump whose operation is controlled by the rotation of the sliding member 331 for the pump.

[0042] (Configuration of Fluid Handling System) The fluid handling system 300 includes a chip holder 310 for holding the above fluid handling device (flow path chip) 200, a valve control unit 320 for controlling the opening and closing of the valve 250 of the fluid handling device 200 held by the chip holder 310, and a pump control unit 330 for controlling the operation of the pump 260 of the fluid handling device 200 held by the chip holder 310. Further, the fluid handling system 300 of this embodiment further includes a control unit 360, a storage unit 370, and a housing 380 arranged in the chip holder 310.

[0043] The chip holder 310 includes a housing portion 311 for accommodating the fluid handling device 200 and is fixed to the main body of the fluid handling system 300. The shape of the housing portion 311 is not particularly limited as long as it can appropriately accommodate and fix the fluid handling device 200. In this embodiment, the housing portion 311 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped hollow body having openings on the back side (the upper side in the drawing in FIG. 1), the top side, and the bottom side of the fluid handling system 300. In the housing portion 311, the fluid handling device 200 is taken in and out from the opening on the back side (see FIG. 3C). The position of the opening is not limited to this position. Also, the shape of the opening can be any shape as long as the fluid handling device 200 can be taken in and out.

[0044] On the other hand, the internal structure of the housing portion 311 is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the fluid handling device 200 so that the position of the fluid handling device 200 does not shift when the fluid handling device 200 is pressed against the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331, or when the valve sliding member 321 or the pump sliding member 331 is rotated. In the present embodiment, the inside of the housing portion 311 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space having a height, width, and depth substantially equal to the height, width, and depth of the stacked body of the fluid handling device 200 and the spacer 312. As described above, in the fluid handling device 200, the wall surrounding the well 230 protrudes from the surface of the substrate 210. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the fluid handling device 200 and the spacer 312 are housed in the housing portion 311 with the spacer 312 having a thickness greater than or equal to the height of this wall disposed above the region where the well 230 of the fluid handling device 200 does not exist. Note that grooves for fixing the fluid handling device 200 at a predetermined position, stoppers for fixing the fluid handling device 200, etc. may be formed inside the housing portion 311. Further, an elastic member (not shown) for adjusting the inclination of the fluid handling device 200 or suppressing the displacement of the fluid handling device 200 may be disposed inside the housing portion 311 when the fluid handling device 200 is pressed against the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331.

[0045] Through holes for bringing the fluid handling device 200 housed in the housing portion 311 into contact with the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 are formed in the bottom plate of the housing portion 311. The shape of this through hole is not particularly limited as long as it does not prevent the contact between the flexible layer 220 of the valve 250 of the fluid handling device 200 and the first convex portion 322 of the valve sliding member 321, and the contact between the flexible layer 220 of the pump 260 and the second convex portion 332 of the pump sliding member 331.

[0046] On one side, the top plate of the housing portion 311 is formed with a substantially rectangular notch for facilitating the accommodation and removal of the fluid handling device 200, a through hole for introducing fluid into the fluid handling device 200 or extracting fluid from the fluid handling device 200, a through hole for observing the fluid within the fluid handling device 200, a through hole for observing the operations of the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331, and the like. When the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 are pressed against the fluid handling device 200, the top plate of the housing portion 311 supports the fluid handling device 200. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the thickness of the top plate of the housing portion 311 is greater than the thickness of the bottom plate.

[0047] The valve control unit 320 controls the opening and closing of the valve 250 of the fluid handling device 200 held by the chip holder 310. The configuration of the valve control unit 320 is not particularly limited as long as it can control the opening and closing of a plurality of valves 250, and may be, for example, a plurality of solenoid actuators or the like. In the present embodiment, the valve control unit 320 includes a valve sliding member 321 (rotary member) and a first drive unit 324 that rotates the valve sliding member 321 about the first central axis CA1.

[0048] FIG. 9A is a plan view of the valve sliding member 321, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 9A. In FIG. 9A, for clarity, hatching is applied to the top surface of the first convex portion 322.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the valve sliding member 321 has a first convex portion 322 and a first concave portion 323 disposed on the top surface of a cylindrical main body. The valve sliding member 321 is rotatable about the first central axis CA1. The valve sliding member 321 is rotated by the first drive unit 324.

[0050] The first convex portion 322 presses the flexible layer 220 on the groove-shaped valve seat 250a to close the valve 250. The first concave portion 323 opens the valve 250 without pressing the flexible layer 220. The first convex portion 322 and the first concave portion 323 are arranged on the circumference of a circle centered on the first central axis CA1. In the present embodiment, the planar shape of the first convex portion 322 is an arc shape (a "C" shape) corresponding to a part of a circle centered on the first central axis CA1. The region on this circumference where the first convex portion 322 does not exist is the first concave portion 323.

[0051] Note that the first convex portion 322 protrudes relative to the first concave portion 323, and it is sufficient if it can press the flexible layer at a desired position to bring the flexible layer 220 of the fluid handling device 200 into close contact with the groove-shaped valve seat 250a. On the other hand, the first concave portion 323 is recessed relative to the first convex portion 322, and it is sufficient if it has a shape that does not push the flexible layer 220 into the groove-shaped valve seat 250a. That is, the first convex portion 322 only needs to be able to function as a pressing portion, and the first concave portion 323 only needs to be able to function as a non-pressing portion. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9B, the first convex portion 322 protrudes from the top surface (reference surface) of the main body, and the bottom surface of the first concave portion 323 is a surface at the same height as the top surface (reference surface) of the main body. Conversely, the top surface of the first convex portion 322 may be a surface at the same height as the top surface (reference surface) of the main body. In this case, the first concave portion 323 is recessed from the top surface (reference surface) of the main body.

[0052] The first drive unit 324 rotates the valve sliding member 321 in an arbitrary direction by an arbitrary angle according to an instruction from the control unit 360. The configuration of the first drive unit 324 is not particularly limited, and for example, it is a motor directly connected to the valve sliding member 321 or connected via a power transmission unit such as a gear.

[0053] The pump control unit 330 controls the operation of the pump 260 of the fluid handling device 200 held by the chip holder 310. The configuration of the pump control unit 330 is not particularly limited as long as it can control the operation of the pump 260, and for example, it may be a pressing roller or the like that can move along the extending direction of the pump 260 (pump groove 260a). In the present embodiment, the pump control unit 330 includes a sliding member 331 for the pump (rotary member) and a second drive unit 334 that rotates the sliding member 331 for the pump about the second central axis CA2.

[0054] FIG. 10A is a plan view of the sliding member 331 for the pump, and FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 10A. In FIG. 10A, for easy viewing, the top surface of the second convex portion 332 is hatched.

[0055] The sliding member 331 for the pump has a second convex portion 332 and a second concave portion 333 disposed on the top surface of the cylindrical main body. The sliding member 331 for the pump is rotatable about the second central axis CA2. The sliding member 331 for the pump is rotated by the second drive unit 334.

[0056] The second convex portion 332 presses the flexible layer 220 of the fluid handling device 200 to bring the flexible layer 220 into close contact with the inner wall of the pump groove 260a. Further, as the second convex portion 332 slides on the flexible layer 220, the pump 260 is driven. The second concave portion 333 is a portion other than the second convex portion 332. The second convex portion 332 is disposed on the circumference of a circle centered on the second central axis CA2. The number and shape of the second convex portions 332 are not particularly limited as long as the pump 260 can be properly operated. In the present embodiment, the sliding member 331 for the pump has three second convex portions 332, and the planar shape of each second convex portion 332 is a substantially rectangular shape extending outward from the second central axis CA2.

[0057] Note that the second convex portion 332 protrudes relative to the second concave portion 333, and it is sufficient if it can press the flexible layer 220 at a desired position to bring the flexible layer 220 of the fluid handling device 200 into close contact with the pump groove 260a. On the other hand, the second concave portion 333 is recessed relative to the second convex portion 332, and it is sufficient if it has a shape that does not push the flexible layer 220 into the pump groove 260a. That is, the second convex portion 332 only needs to be able to function as a pressing portion, and the second concave portion 333 only needs to be able to function as a non-pressing portion. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10B, the second convex portion 332 protrudes from the top surface (reference surface) of the main body, and the bottom surface of the second concave portion 333 is a surface at the same height as the top surface (reference surface) of the main body. Conversely, the top surface of the second convex portion 332 may be a surface at the same height as the top surface (reference surface) of the main body. In this case, the second concave portion 333 is recessed from the top surface (reference surface) of the main body.

[0058] The second drive unit 334 rotates the pump sliding member 331 in an arbitrary direction by an arbitrary angle according to an instruction from the control unit 360. The configuration of the second drive unit 334 is not particularly limited. For example, it is a motor directly connected to the pump sliding member 331 or connected via a power transmission unit such as a gear.

[0059] The control unit 360 controls the valve control unit 320 (first drive unit 324), the pump control unit 330 (second drive unit 334), etc. Specifically, the control unit 360 operates the valve control unit 320 (first drive unit 324), the pump control unit 330 (second drive unit 334), etc. according to a program stored in the storage unit 370 or an instruction from an operation setting system. The storage unit 370 stores various programs, etc. The control unit 360 and the storage unit 370 are, for example, a microcomputer.

[0060] The housing 380 houses components other than the chip holder 310 of the fluid handling system 300 and supports the chip holder 310. The configuration of the housing 380 is not particularly limited as long as it can perform the above functions. In the present embodiment, the shape of the housing 380 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped, but it may be any shape. In the present embodiment, the housing 380 is made of resin, but it may be made of metal. Examples of the resin material constituting the housing 380 include polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyether, polyethylene, polystyrene, silicone resin, and elastomer. Further, the housing 380 may be composed of a plurality of types of materials.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the fluid handling system 300 also has a plurality of buttons, a jack into which the plug of the AC adapter 410 is inserted, a socket into which the plug of the USB cable 420 is inserted, etc. (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0062] Note that the fluid handling system 300 may further have an internal power source, a display unit, etc.

[0063] (Modification example) In the above-described fluid handling device 200 and the fluid handling system 300 including the same, both the valve 250 and the pump 260 are provided, but the fluid handling device and the fluid handling system including the same may have only one of them.

[0064] In addition, the above-described fluid handling system 300 may include a light source (not shown) for detecting the movement of the fluid or observing the fluid, and a light detection unit (not shown) for detecting the light from the light source. For example, the light source and the light detection unit are arranged to face each other with the second flow path 240 interposed therebetween. In this case, by irradiating the second flow path 240 with light from the light source and detecting the intensity of the light from the light source with the light detection unit, it is possible to identify whether or not there is fluid in the second flow path 240. The light detection unit is preferably connected to the control unit 360, and the control unit 360 may control the valve control unit 320 and the pump control unit 330 based on the signal detected by the light detection unit. Note that a plurality of light sources and light detection units may be arranged to detect that the fluid has reached a predetermined position or the like. The type of the light source is not particularly limited, and for example, it can be infrared light.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above description, the valve 250 is arranged on the circumference of one circle and controlled by a rotary valve (valve sliding portion), but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the valve 250 may be arranged on the circumferences of two or more concentric circles and appropriately controlled by the valve sliding member 321.

[0066] Also, in the above description, the number of the groove-shaped valve seats 250a of one valve 250 is one, but the number of the groove-shaped valve seats 250a of one valve 250 may be plural.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above description, only one pump groove 260a of the pump 260 is arranged, but in order to increase the volume of the fluid that can flow in the pump 260, a plurality of pump grooves 260a may be arranged. For example, it is also possible to arrange a plurality of pump grooves 260a along concentric circles.

[0068] (Operation of the fluid handling system) An example of a method for handling a fluid using the fluid handling system 100 will be described below. Here, while referring to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 11A to 12B, an example of moving the liquid accommodated in the second well 230 from the left in the upper row in the figure (hereinafter also referred to as the "introduction well") to the second well 230 from the left in the lower row in the figure (hereinafter also referred to as the "extraction well") will be described. FIGS. 11A to 12B show a state of viewing the region near the plurality of valves 250 of the fluid handling device 200 from the front side, and the outer walls of the wells 230 and the like are omitted. Among the plurality of valves 250, the closed valve 250 pressed against the first convex portion 322 of the valve sliding member 321 is shown in black, and the open valve 250 facing the first concave portion 323 of the valve sliding member 321 is shown in white.

[0069] First, the fluid handling device 200 with the spacer 312 stacked thereon is accommodated in the accommodation portion 311 of the chip holder 310 (see FIGS. 3B and 3C). Next, the chip holder 310 accommodating the fluid handling device 200 is fixed at a predetermined position on the housing 380. The fluid handling device 200 accommodated in the chip holder 310 is pressed against the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 with a predetermined force.

[0070] Note that before, during, or after installing the chip holder 310, the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 may be rotated to adjust the rotation start positions of the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331. Also, after fixing the chip holder 310, if necessary, the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 may be further moved toward the fluid handling device 200 to adjust the pressing force between the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 and the fluid handling device 200 (see FIG. 4).

[0071] Next, a fluid is introduced into a predetermined well 230 of the fluid handling device 200. In this example, as shown in FIG. 11A, a predetermined liquid is introduced into the second introduction well 230 from the left in the upper row in the figure. For example, the user uses a pipette to introduce the liquid into the introduction well 230 through the through holes in the top plate of the chip holder 310 and the through holes in the spacer 312.

[0072] Thereafter, while applying a pressing force so that the first convex portion 322 of the valve sliding member 321 and the second convex portion 332 of the pump sliding member 331 sufficiently press the flexible layer 220 of the fluid handling device 200, the valve sliding member 321 and the pump sliding member 331 are rotated to open and close the valve 250 and drive the pump 260. When the flexible layer 220 of the valve 250 of the fluid handling device 200 is pushed into the groove-shaped valve seat 250a by the first convex portion 322 of the valve sliding member 321 due to the rotation of the valve sliding member 321, the valve 250 is in a closed state. On the other hand, when the first concave portion 323 is disposed on the groove-shaped valve seat 250a due to the rotation of the valve sliding member 321, the pressing force on the flexible layer 220 is released and the valve 250 is in an open state. Further, when the flexible layer 220 of the pump 260 of the fluid handling device 200 is pushed into the pump groove 260a by the second convex portion 332 of the pump sliding member 331 due to the rotation of the pump sliding member 331, and the second convex portion 332 moves in this state, the fluid in the flow path moves. By using the opening and closing of the valve 250 and the movement of the fluid in this way, desired fluid processing, mixing, etc. can be performed.

[0073] In this example, first, as shown in FIG. 11B, the control unit 360 rotates the valve sliding member 321 to move the first concave portion 323 onto the valve 250 corresponding to the introduction well 230. Thereby, the introduction well 230 and the common flow path 243 communicate with each other. Next, the control unit 360 rotates the pump sliding member 331 to suck the liquid in the introduction well 230 into the common flow path 243. When the liquid reaches a predetermined position in the common flow path 243, the control unit 360 stops the rotation of the pump sliding member 331 and stops the suction into the common flow path 243.

[0074] Next, as shown in FIG. 12A, the control unit 360 rotates the valve sliding member 321 to move the first recess 323 onto the valve 250 corresponding to the second extraction well 230 from the left in the lower row in the figure. Thereby, the common flow path 243 and the extraction well 230 communicate with each other. Next, the control unit 360 rotates the pump sliding member 331 to extrude the liquid in the common flow path 243 into the extraction well 230. When the pump sliding member 331 has rotated until all the liquid in the common flow path 243 has moved into the extraction well 230, the control unit 360 stops the rotation of the pump sliding member 331 and stops the extrusion into the extraction well 230.

[0075] Finally, as shown in FIG. 12B, the control unit 360 rotates the valve sliding member 321 to move the first recess 323 onto the valve 250 corresponding to the introduction well 230 again. Thereby, the common flow path 243 and the introduction well 230 communicate with each other again. Next, the control unit 360 rotates the pump sliding member 331 to extrude the liquid remaining in the branch flow path 241 into the introduction well 230. When the pump sliding member 331 has rotated until all the liquid in the branch flow path 241 has moved into the introduction well 230, the control unit 360 stops the rotation of the pump sliding member 331 and stops the extrusion into the introduction well 230.

[0076] By the above procedure, a predetermined amount of liquid can be measured out from the liquid stored in the second introduction well 230 from the left in the upper row in the figure and moved to the second extraction well 230 from the left in the lower row in the figure.

[0077] (Effect) As described above, the fluid handling device according to the present embodiment is composed of a substrate and a flat flexible layer, and has a simple configuration. Further, it is not necessary to mold the flexible layer, and fine alignment between the substrate and the flexible layer is also unnecessary. Furthermore, since the flexible layer is not molded, it is possible to bond the substrate and the flexible layer at a high temperature, and a highly reliable fluid handling device and fluid handling system can be obtained. In addition, since the flexible layer is flat, it is possible to miniaturize the fluid handling device and the fluid handling system including the same.

Industrial Applicability

[0078] The fluid handling device according to this embodiment and the fluid handling system using the same are useful in various applications such as clinical tests, food tests, and environmental tests.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0079] 200 Fluid handling device 210 Substrate 220 Flexible layer 230 Well 231 First flow path 231a First groove 232 Ventilation flow path 240 Second flow path 240a Second groove 241, 242 Branch flow paths 243 Common flow path 250 Valve 250a Groove-shaped valve seat 260 Pump 260a Pump groove 300 Fluid handling system 310 Chip holder 312 Spacer 320 Valve control unit 321 Valve sliding member 322 Protrusion 324 First drive unit 330 Pump control unit 331 Pump sliding member 332 Protrusion 334 Second drive unit 360 Control unit 370 Memory unit 380 Housing 410 AC adapter 420 USB cable

Claims

1. The device includes a first flow path, a second flow path, a valve disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path, and a pump connected to the second flow path, The valve includes a grooved valve seat disposed on a substrate, and a flat valve flexible layer covering the grooved valve seat; the valve communicates the first flow path and the second flow path when the valve flexible layer and the inner wall of the groove valve seat are separated from each other, and blocks the first flow path and the second flow path when the valve flexible layer and the inner wall of the groove valve seat are in contact with each other, The pump includes a pump groove disposed in the substrate, and a flat pump flexible layer covering the pump groove; The pump moves the fluid in the first flow path and / or the second flow path by sequentially moving a contact position between the pump flexible layer and an inner wall of the pump groove. Fluid handling equipment.

2. The depth of the grooved valve seat is shallower than the depth of the first flow passage and the depth of the second flow passage.

2. The fluid handling device of claim 1.

3. The cross-sectional shape of the grooved valve seat perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is a shape surrounded by a circular arc or an elliptical arc and a chord.

3. A fluid handling device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the valve flexible layer and / or the pump flexible layer comprises a plurality of layers; Among the plurality of layers, a layer in contact with an inner wall of the grooved valve seat is an elastomer layer containing an elastomer.

4. A fluid handling device according to claim 1.

5. A fluid handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a valve sliding member capable of pressing the valve flexible layer; having Fluid handling systems.

6. The valve sliding member is a rotatable rotary member.

6. The fluid handling system of claim 5.

7. A fluid handling device according to claim 1; a valve sliding member capable of pressing the valve flexible layer of the valve; a pump sliding member capable of pressing the pump flexible layer of the pump; A fluid handling system comprising:

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